Cessna 177 N30227 accident near Elcho, Wisconsin

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate preflight and in-flight fuel management, which led to a total loss of engine power due to fuel exhaustion.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that the engine experienced a total loss of power while in cruise flight. He attempted to restart the engine without success; therefore, he executed a forced landing on a snow-covered field. Upon landing, the airplane nosed over and then came to rest on its back. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to both wings and the horizontal stabilizer. The pilot said that he decided not to refuel before the flight because his fuel calculations showed that he should have had at least 30 minutes of fuel reserve upon arrival at the destination airport; however, he did not use a calibrated instrument in determining the preflight fuel quantity. He further stated that the accident could have been prevented if he had refueled before the flight. He reported no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA175 for the full record.